Inspiring PLA: A Gallery of Educational Wonders

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 Partners in Learning Atelier (PLA) is a new name for an established program!

As a grant funded project started in 2014 at Frostburg State University, the FSU HUB@USMH, began as an initiative to address pre-K and kindergartner readiness in Washington County, Maryland. By 2018, the program had expanded to included Frederick County, Maryland.

The HUB@USMH needed to rebrand, as the founder, Jamey Tobery-Nystrom, retired from university life, to pursue the sustainability of this highly successful program with families and valued by community partners, 

Over the last twelve years, PLA (formerly the HUB@USMH: Family Engagement in Early Learning) has received and provided training in evidenced-based high leverage practices:

• Social Emotional Foundations 
• Maryland Pyramid Model
• Specially Designed Instruction
• Data-Driven Instruction
• Routines Based Interviews
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Parent Cafe' Models

During the last two years, the transition from a university faculty driven program to a non-profit has begun.

PLA is for Everyone! 

We want all families to feel valued, appreciated, and free to be who they are. 

Any discrimination, regardless of gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes a person unique, will not be tolerated. 

We believe in social justice, equality for all, and human rights.

• Collaborations with community partners and families to address adverse factors impacting early childhood development (abuse, neglect, poverty, substance dependence, trauma) 
•  Provide Families with opportunities to learn about community resources and supports available to them in the areas of physical health, mental well-being, and education. 

At PLA, we believe that high-quality family programming should accessible to everyone. That's why we offer all programs at no-cost.

We're committed to the success of families. That's why we offer personalized support and guidance throughout participation. Whether a family needs help locating a specific resource or general, guidance on study skills, we're here to help.